Soesokkak Estuary

Soesokkak is where the Hyodoncheon stream reaches the sea on Jeju's southern coast, and the lava that flowed here left the last few hundred metres of the channel walled in dark rock, so the water sits deep, still and green between cliffs before opening to the sea. The traditional way to see it is a teuyu, a raft of logs lashed together that a boatman poles along the channel - the design descends from the rafts Jeju fishermen used - and there are transparent kayaks and small motorboats as well. Along the top a walking path with steps and viewpoints follows the rim through pine, and the Jeju Olle trail passes through. Below the mouth the shore is black basalt and a small beach. It is a compact site, done in two hours, and it works best in the morning before the tour groups. Rafts stop running in wind and after heavy rain when the stream is high and coloured.

What you actually see

• The lava channel - green water between dark rock walls.
• The log rafts - traditional teuyu poled along the inlet.
• The rim path - the walk above with viewpoints.
• The basalt shore - the black rock at the river mouth.

When to go

April to June and September to October, in the morning. Rafts do not run in wind or after heavy rain, when the stream is high and murky.

Honest expectations

The inlet is short - the raft trip is fifteen minutes or so. Boats queue in season and stop in bad weather. Free to walk, but the water activities are what people come for and they are charged.

Nearby

Jeongbang falls and Seogwipo are west; Pyoseon and the eastern coast are further on.